Each spring, the State 4-H Horse Judging contest is held in Athens, Georgia at the UGA Instructional Arena. This contest is open to 4-H'ers from all over Georgia ages 9-19. County teams of up to twenty members compete against one another.

Contestants judge eight classes, four conformation and four performance classes. In addition, they give 2-4 sets of reasons to justify their placings and explain their decisions. 4-H'ers not only learn the basics of judging and placing horses, they also learn the valuable life skills of decision making, critical thinking, organization, teamwork, competition, public speaking, and self confidence.

Top teams and individuals are recognized, and awards are given. The State Winning Senior Team and the High Individual will be invited to attend the State Winners' Recognition Banquet held at State Congress in July and will be eligible for Master 4-H Status.

The top four members of the first place senior team will be declared the state winning team. This team and the coach will be invited to represent Georgia at the Western National Roundup in Denver, CO. The first and second place senior team will also have the opportunity to compete at the Southern Regional Horse Championships in Perry, GA.

County teams begin forming and practices begin about two months before the State Contest. Contact your local County Extension office to sign up now.

Each spring, the State 4-H Hippology contest is held in Athens, Georgia at the UGA Instructional Arena, held in conjunction with the State Horse Judging competition. This contest is open to 4-Hers from all over Georgia ages 9-19. County teams of up to twenty members compete against one another.

Practical application of knowledge and skills is demonstrated through a written test, a skill station, a judging competition and a team problems component in which team members’ work together to solve a specific issue as it relates to equine management. Participants must work with three or four team members in this equine event.

Top teams and individuals are recognized, and awards are given. The State Winning Senior Team and the High Individual will be invited to attend the State Winners' Recognition Banquet held at State Congress in July and will be eligible for Master 4-H Status.

The top four members of the first place senior team will be declared the state winning team. This team and the coach will be invited to represent Georgia at the Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio. The first and second place senior team has the opportunity to participate in the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships Hippology Contest in Perry, GA.

County teams begin forming and practices begin about two months before the State Contest. Contact your local County Extension office to sign up now.

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension
Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people
without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.
An equal opportunity/affirmative action organization committed to a diverse
work force.